NVQ2 Gas Mains layer and Service layer

[Vinnie1119]

Hi

 

I am currently trying to get as much information together to help in applying for a visa to move to WA. I've got 10 years experience in the gas industry and working with live gas(SCO 1,2 and 5), but my skill set doesn't quite cover the gas fitter trade in Australia I'm what would be classed as a Gas distribution officer (Gas network operative in the UK). is there any body who has been in the same position and managed to move to the PROMISED LAND please HELP.

[steven_gers]

Sorry Vinnie no help to you, I'm a NVQ 3 gas fitter/plumber from the UK,

 

My advice would be to speak to Tafe Challenger, google them, its the government training organisations they should ve able to direct you in what you need to do, it's pretty much guaranteed that the qualifications you hold will not be valid in Australia and you will need to do a gap training course or get them assessed and transfered by the governed training authority.

 

You could also type in google TRA or Vetasses and look if they have your skills set there.

Its costly to have your skills assessed but will be a requirement if you are trying to obtain a skilled visa,

 

Also is your occupation on the SOL list or CSOL list, or are you lucky like me and have an Australian wife?

 

Steven

[steven_gers]

http://www.tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

 

 

http://www.vetassess.com.au

 

 

College

 

http://www.challenger.wa.edu.au/pages/default.aspx

 

Skill list for skilled Visa's subject to change every July I'm led to believe

 

http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/sol.aspx

[Vinnie1119]

thanks for the links but the more I look into it the more its starting to look impossible

[steven_gers]

Na, dont lose faith buddy,

 

You just need to have a plan, and be willing to take 2 steps backwards to take 5 steps forward unfortunately.

 

Are you looking at a skilled visa?

[Vinnie1119]

I am,(if i can get a company to nominate me) 457 Temporary work visa (skilled) but the closest thing to my skill set is gas fitter but thats all internals does that mean i need to do some more training here in britain cause surely I wont pass the assessments even though i understand gas

[steven_gers]

I would get in contact with TRA, and ask there opinion of the qualifications you hold and what they would mean in Oz equivalent.

 

To be considered a gas fitter you'd need to again get your skills assessed from vetasses which they will need to see qualifications that relate to gas fitting or show competent experience in gas fitting, as in bending, joining pipe, flue/chimneys, ventilation etc,

If they say no you wouldn't be able to pass the assessment then you could do the CCN1 in the uk and get re assessed and you should pass and get the elements you need for the skilled visa,

 

Although the whole process is costly. I'd estimate you will spend close to £8000 just to get to Oz and then..... wait for it..... you will need "most definitely" have to spend more money getting the relevant Oz training.

 

The "trades" is the hardest and most financially challenging to move to Oz with, as no UK qualifications for gas are recognised in Oz, they do however consider RPL - recognised prior learning which can cut course time down,

 

I guess it all depends what you expected when you thought about moving to Oz? If you expected a relatively easy transition then you have fallen at the 1st hurdle, if you expected it would be a long process and sometimes challenging then you have the right attitude to succeed.

 

But like I said investigate with TRA as to what the qualifications you hold mean in Oz, you never know you might be pleasantly surprised?

I can't imagine why your skills are not required in Oz, they are building thousands of homes and business premises who all need main gas layed etc.

 

Good luck

[Vinnie1119]

thanks again for all the helpful information, to be honest I didnt once think it was going to be easy at all, but really want a better life for me and my wife.